Summit reignites debate on alcohol reform

The NSW and ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) says the New South Wales Government can no longer ignore rising alcohol harms and heightened community concerns and must immediately introduce effective alcohol policy reforms.

This was the message delivered at last week’s 2013 NSW Alcohol Summit. Attended by over 180 people including more than 20 NSW politicians, the Summit brought together health professionals, community representatives, law enforcement officials, researchers, and front-line workers from around the state.

The Hon John Della Bosca, provided reflections from the 2003 NSW Alcohol Summit on alcohol abuse. While diplomatic when talking of the 2003 Summit’s failings, ‘…it has been a little bit of a disappointment’, Mr Della Bosca was far more direct when speaking about the dangers of alcohol, saying ‘…alcohol is a dangerous product, dangerous in the way that dynamite is dangerous or rat poison is dangerous’.

On what needs to be done to reduce alcohol harms, Mr Della Bosca said, ‘The decisions that need to be made to reduce those harmful effects are fairly straight forward. And they’re not is the soft preventative area which everybody feels good about; they’re in the hard area where you have to take on the power of vested interests… the large corporate alcohol producers and suppliers, and marketers who are very powerful.’

Caterina Giorgi, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education’s (FARE) Policy and Research Manager, was less circumspect than Della Bosca, presenting a report which highlighted the complete failure of the 2003 NSW Summit on Alcohol, along with data showing how alcohol harms have continued to rise over the last decade.

The report showed that the Government was most likely to support measures with little or no support for their effectiveness, while ignoring proven, evidence-based measures.

Dismayed that there is currently no political will for change, Ms Giorgi noted disappointingly that for Government, ‘It’s easier to have a website than it is to have a drug and alcohol education unit. It’s easier to have a tvc than it is to limit the promotion and reckless discounting of alcohol’.

Discussing police perspectives on alcohol, Assistant Police Commissioner, Mark Murdoch described the abuse of alcohol as a problem without precedent, identifying the sales of takeaway alcohol as the next battleground. ‘You can hook the box trailer up to the Commodore and pull up outside Dan Murphy’s and fill it up every day, every week and every year an no one bats an eyelid. We need to get smarter in that space because people buy as much as they can physically carry’.

In his introductory remarks, Mr Humphries played down the extent of the issue, extended a warm welcome to alcohol industry representatives in the room, saying ‘it’s fantastic that the AHA are here’, and seemed to shift responsibility for alcohol harm minimisation back onto the community indicating that if efforts to resolve alcohol issues were not led by locals, then things would not change.

In sharp contrast, the Opposition’s Mr Robertson indicated that government should be taking a stronger leadership role, saying Government should consider a floor price on alcohol, and calling for the re-establishment of the NSW Drug and Alcohol Court. ‘In the end we have to start from the position of everyone being prepared to stand up as a society and say we have a problem…we do need politicians to lead. There’s no question about that’.

Dr John Kaye, MLC, said it was hardly surprising that there has been a ‘litany of failures in alcohol policy in NSW’, pointing the finger directly at the alcohol industry. ‘We stand in state with lower priced alcohol than we have ever seen before, with larger and more dense packaged liquor outlets and licenced venues than we have ever seen before and with lobby groups representing both packaged liquor outlets and licenced venues that are more aggressive and more cashed up than we’ve ever seen before in the history of the State.’

Speaking at the Summit’s conclusion, NAAPA spokesman, FARE Chief Executive, Michael Thorn said the message for the NSW Government was a simple one. ‘Existing Government measures have failed and with alcohol harms rising alarmingly, NSW cannot afford another lost decade. We are calling on the Government to introduce effective, evidence-based policies that target the availability, price and promotion of alcohol and have an immediate impact on reducing alcohol harms across the State.’

[<a href=”//storify.com/FAREAustralia/2013-nsw-alcohol-summit-a-wake-up-call-for-governm” target=”_blank”>View the story “2013 NSW Alcohol Summit: a wake up call for government” on Storify</a>]<br /> <h1>2013 NSW Alcohol Summit: a wake up call for government</h1> <h2>15 March 2013: The NSW and ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) says the New South Wales Government can no longer ignore rising alcohol harms and heightened community concerns and must immediately introduce effective alcohol policy reforms.</h2> <p>Storified by <a href=”http://storify.com/FAREAustralia”>FARE</a>· Thu, Mar 14 2013 19:44:47</p> <div>This was the message delivered at yesterday’s <a href=”http://www.fare.org.au/support-us/nsw-alcohol-summit/” class=””>2013 NSW Alcohol Summit</a>. Attended by over 180 people including more than 20 NSW politicians, the Summit brought together health professionals, community representatives, law enforcement officials, researchers, and front-line workers from around the state.<br></div> <div>Sydney alcohol summit – time for real action on alcohol harm in NSW – @DrinkTankAu http://drinktank.org.au/2013/03/time-to-see-real-action-on-alcohol-harm-in-nsw/ #Sydney #NAAPAMichael Thorn</div> <div>Three cheers for the possibility of sensible alcohol policyAlcohol control is not an area for win-win policies and lately, the community has been losing heavily. Carsten Nielsen Many Australians b…</div> <div>Newcastle liquor reforms on show at Summit – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)Posted March 14, 2013 07:36:34 Newcastle’s success in combating late night drinking problems will be up for discussion in State Parliamen…</div> <div>Our team heads to NSW Parliament House this morning for the NSW Alcohol Summit. Kicks off at 9:30am EST. Pls join the tweet chat! #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>We will be at the NSW #Alcochol Summit tomorrow, along with advocacy groups, pollies and more. Follow #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Heading off to present on point-of-sale promotions at the #NAAPA Alcohol Summit in Parliament House #timeforchangeSandra Jones</div> <div>.@johnkgreens, John Roberston & Kevin Humphries will share their positions on alcohol at the #NSW #Alcohol Summit today #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>NSW Alcohol Summit kicking off, @BrianOwler welcomes John Della Bosca to the stage #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/TCzZezrjj6FARE</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>The Hon John Della Bosca provided reflections from the 2003 NSW Alcohol Summit on alcohol abuse.<br></div> <div>Della Bosca reflects on the 2003 alcohol summit @FAREAustralia #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/XuxqhcbN22Amy Ferguson</div> <div>At #NAAPA. John Della Bosca speaking on 2003 alcohol summit: “some of the results were relatively disappointing”NDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Della Bosca – need big-block policy changes, not just little incremental changes #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>2003 alcohol summit – great Newcastle & Manly experiments afterwards. BUT these were not rolled out state wide. – Della Bosca #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>We have to take on powerful vested interests in this space @baysdella #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Della Bosca – if we don’t deal with advertising, we are trying to fight a 17-inch cannon with a pea-gun #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>”The trend line [in Aus] is towards alcohol sale in supermarkets”, like in Europe – Della Bosca #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>The Hon John Della Bosca just addressed the conference and reflected that very little has changed since the 2003 summit #NAAPA #dissapointedAngela Vithoulkas</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Caterina Giorgi, Manager of Policy and Research, FARE, provided an overview of <a href=”http://www.fare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/10Years-PolicyAnalysis.pdf” class=””>the analysis of progress made</a> since the 2003 Summit.<br></div> <div></div> <div>There were 318 recommendations in report from 2003 NSW alcohol summit. 107 related to prevention #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Caterina Giorgi shows a quote from @crozi3r_john from the 2003 Alcohol Summit #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/ZxIY40fAKaFARE</div> <div>Wonderful presentation from Ms Giorgi frm FARE #NAAPA assessing evidence based decisions that the Govt has not doneAngela Vithoulkas</div> <div>Of the 107 prevention recommendations from 2003 alcohol summit, 19 were completed – Giorgi from FARE. #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Many recs from the Summit weren’t evidence-based, resourcing was poor, and the alcohol industry was significantly involved #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>There is a reason why policies need to be evidenced based #NAAPA @FAREAustralia http://pic.twitter.com/LVca3sOJJtAmy Ferguson</div> <div>Disturbing figures for alcohol related harms over the past 10years #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/PTw0JKWsUcDaniel Strickland</div> <div>The human cost of inaction around Alcohol policy is NOT a way to move forward – where are the politicians to lead this? #NAAPAAngela Vithoulkas</div> <div>”We’ve had a lot if talk, so let us now have action” Andrew Stoner 2003 Alcohol Summit #NAAPA @FAREAustraliaAmy Ferguson</div> <div>Let’s start the dialogue about evidence-based alcohol policy today – Caterina Giorgi #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/DtfHV9OAGEFARE</div> <div>Giorgi: It’s easier to make a website then fund a drug and alcohol unit. It’s time for change. #NAAPA @FAREAustraliaAmy Ferguson</div> <div>.@abcnews talks to Caterina Giorgi about evidence-based alcohol policy, and access to quality data #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/d9f7rPLVAxFARE</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Assisctant Police Commissioner Mark Murdoch discussed police perspectives on alcohol.<br></div> <div>Now listening to Assistant Comm Mark Murdoch at #NAAPA discussing how police should be concentrating more on Alcohol & Drug issues.Living Sydney</div> <div>Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch wants the availability of alcohol urgently addressed to help police @FAREAustralia #NAAPALance Barrie</div> <div>Alcohol = “this is not something the cops can deal with on our own”. Whole of govt response required – Murdoch #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Murdoch: Every cop in NSW focus is alcohol related crime #NAAPA @FAREAustraliaAmy Ferguson</div> <div>#NAAPA great to hear police recognizing the need to partner with NGOs and all key groups in local communities to address AR crimeCringe The Binge</div> <div>Mark Murdoch: Domestic violence & domestic homicides increasing in NSW – alcohol is a primary cause #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>”Della Bosca sees no 1 challenge as advertising, I see it as bottle shops… Ppl buy as much as they can carry” – A/C Murdoch #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Mark Murdoch: the big challenge is bottleshop/supermarket sales & promotions. I will be talking about that this afternoon #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>#NAAPA great to hear police recognizing the need to partner with NGOs and all key groups in local communities to address AR crimeCringe The Binge</div> <div>Bottle shop sales in sights of NSW police – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)Posted March 14, 2013 14:54:14 Police in New South Wales say bottle shops are the next frontier in tackling alcohol-related violence. Ass…</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Leaders from NSW political parties discussed their positions on alcohol in a panel session facilitated by ABC’s Quentin Dempster:<br>The Hon Kevin Humphries MP, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles<br>Mr John Robertson MP, Leader of the Opposition<br>Dr John Kaye, MLC, Health Spokesperson, Greens NSW<br></div> <div>Packed house at the 2013 NSW #Alcohol Summit – panel discussion on political parties’ positions on alcohol #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/dN0dq7bhMcFARE</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>’We don’t need to take a blanket wide approach’ Minister Humphries #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>We need to come up with solutions that suit the local areas of the community as well -says Hon Kevin Humphries #NAAPALiving Sydney</div> <div>in Spirit (pun intended) of #NAAPA tweets floating in my stream: We teach Kids to drive, count, read but not how to DrinkGlebe2037</div> <div>#NAAPA glad to hear CDATs are valued by Kevin Humphries MP hopefully they will be better funded in the future so they can do moreCringe The Binge</div> <div>John Robertson MP: “We have to acknowledge that we have a problem…a significant problem….a cultural problem” #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>”Woolworths & Coles sell more alcohol thru their shopping centre outlets than is bought in pubs & clubs.” – MP Robertson #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>We should consider a floor price in alcohol – John Robertson #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Youth Drug & Alcohol Courts – “these are the sorts of programs that need to be put in place” – John Robertson MP #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Am I the only City of Sydney Councillor here today at #NAAPA? If not please join conversation :)Living Sydney</div> <div>BOCSAR survey showed 92.9% of people who were intoxicated said they weren’t refused service @johnkgreens #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Kaye MLC: there remains a significant amount of power in the hands of industry lobby groups @FAREAustralia #NAAPAAmy Ferguson</div> <div>#NAAPA bring back education dept alcohol and drug unit or fund youth service to fill this big gapCringe The Binge</div> <div>John Kaye: Need to address the power of the alcohol giants – Coles, Woolworths, AHA, Clubs NSW #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>Seems other local councils understand clustering but not City of Sydney #NAAPA. It is a shameAngela Vithoulkas</div> <div>Shift power away from the alcohol industry, the packaged outlets and put it back in the hands of the community – @johnkgreens #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Every MPs dilemma: citizens want less alcohol violence, but the choice to entertain themselves as they please – Dr Kaye NSW Greens #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>We need independent enforcement agencies for RSA – @johnkgreens #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>#naapa Dempster asks would the government consider constraining alcohol advertising?Amy Ferguson</div> <div>John Kaye: Australia shouldn’t be reluctant to be a leader in taking action on alcohol advertising #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Interesting that The Greens are the only party prepared to commit to a wind-back on 24 hour venues #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>Global cities like San Francisco stop serving alcohol at 2am – Kyp Kypri from Newcastle Uni #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>We’ve overstated the ability of bar staff to detect and manage ppl who are intoxicated; police struggle with it – Kyp Kyprie #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Well said Kyp Kypri: “we don’t have to sell alcohol 24 hours a day to be a global city (look at LA)” #NAAPASandra Jones</div> <div>We have more 24 hr licenses in NSW than in any other state – @crozi3r_john #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Tony Trimmingham says the outcome of the 2003 Alcohol Summit is a disgrace #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Min Humphries ‘it’s the governments role to take on all views’ #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>#NAAPA politicians saying community expectations are important but processes stacked against community groups #lipservice ??Cringe The Binge</div> <div>Mr Chris Sidoti, Chairperson, Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority poke about the challenges in licensing decisions in the current NSW regulatory environment.<br></div> <div>Now speaking Chris Sidoti from Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Sidoti: if NSW collected alcohol sales data it would make our job much easier #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Sidoti: 2 of 3 objectives under liquor legalisation is industry focused #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Work to process/approve licensing requests far outweigh the Authority’s other role – to disciple licensed venues. – Sidoti #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>#NAAPA Chris Sidoti & ILGAs considered position on licensing in nsw helped save Byron from a superstore. PS our comm’ty spoke up loudly tooCringe The Binge</div> <div>Sidoti: we are particularly concerned with those aspects of trading that contribute to alcohol related violence like trading hrs #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>In applying the law we will now need to give far closer consideration to small bar applications – Chris Sidoti #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>We are interested in evidence-based research and evidence-based arguments – Chris Sidoti #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>I am not aware of a single member of parliament who opposed the extension of trading hours to small bars – Chris Sidoti #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Associate Professor Kypros Kypri, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle spoke about outlet density, and the success of the Newcastle trials.<br></div> <div>Kyp Kypri now presenting on the Newcastle trials #NAAPA http://pic.twitter.com/uZeABGEtLzFARE</div> <div>@FAREAustralia #naapa Kyp Kypri- there are 20% more assaults for each additional hour of trading after midnightLance Barrie</div> <div>In Norway in 2000s, 15 cities reduced trading hours of bars/clubs = 20% reduction in assaults – Kyp Kypri #NAAPA #alcoholNDARC, UNSW</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Professor Sandra Jones, Director, Centre for Health Initiatives, University of Wollongong discussed alcohol advertising, marketing and promotions.<br></div> <div>Point of sale marketing on alcohol in venues = “a black hole” in terms of regulation ie little control – Prof Sandra Jones #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Sandra Jones: those who purchased alcohol with associated promotions spend more money #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Great talking to @CHI_Sandra on point-of-sale promotions and alcohol #NAAPA #timeforchangeJamie Parker MP</div> <div>Highest no. of point of sale promotions are in rural & remote areas. NSW & WA state average = 36 promos per store – Prof Jones #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Many of these promotions are not regulated in any way, so there’s lots of things we can do @CHI_Sandra #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>We’ve reached a point where our kids are saturated by these alcohol promotions @CHI_Sandra #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>egs of #alcohol point of sale promotions – get free things, win sporting tickets, win holidays, get additional alcohol – Prof Jones #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Dr Jenny Chalmers, Senior Research Fellow, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre discussed alcohol pricing.<br></div> <div>Now our own Dr Jenny Chalmers! On alcohol prices as a tool for policy makers #NAAPA #alcoholNDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Jenny Chalmers- 2 effective ways to reduce alcohol related harm is to address pricing and the availability of alcohol #NAAPA @FAREAustraliaLance Barrie</div> <div>Jenny Chalmers: two most effective tools to control population wide alcohol consumption is price and physical availability #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Since 1992: price of beer up, price of wine down – Chalmers #NAAPA #alcoholNDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Recent survey (Nelson 2013) casts doubt that heavy drinkers respond to general price rises, whereas moderate drinkers do – Chalmers #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>To prevent alcohol harms in on licence, increase off licence prices (Anderson 2012). 70% alcohol is purchased off licence – Chalmers #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Emeritus Consultant, Dr Alex Wodak, Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincents Hospital closed the day’s proceedings and discussed next steps towards evidence-based alcohol reform in NSW.<br></div> <div>Alex Wodak says the 3 questions are is this a problem? do we know what needs to be done? what stops us from taking action? #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>Alex Wodak says what stops us doing what needs to be done is the alcohol industry #NAAPAFARE</div> <div>“@FAREAustralia: Lets have some Australian firsts to show that we can cut the alcohol industry Goliath down to size – Alex Wodak #NAAPA”Aboriginal Health</div> <div>2013 NSW Alcohol SummitFAREAustralia</div> <div>Michael Thorn, Chief Executive of FARE released a comminuque at the conclusion of the event, which calls on the NSW Government to embrace proven, evidence-based policies to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms and not be influenced by the alcohol industry in the development of alcohol control policies.<br></div> <div></div> <div>A lot needs to change to fix #alcohol problems, including our drinking culture – We want to change that http://bit.ly/ChipInHSM – #NAAPAHello Sunday Morning</div> <div>Much covered at today’s NSW #Alcohol Summit. Our thanks to all who organised & spoke at the event – it was a big undertaking #NAAPANDARC, UNSW</div> <div>Cookies must be enabled | Herald SunTo use the Herald Sun website, cookies must be enabled in your browser. To enable cookies, follow the instructions for your browser below.</div> <div>Summit plea to cut the grog tollTHE availability, price and promotion of alcohol should be reined in to tackle the chronic binge-drinking and violent culture that exists…</div> <div>NSW Government targeting alcohol abuseTopics: alcohol abuse, george souris, minister for hospitality, nsw government, office of liquor gaming and racing THE NSW Government has…</div> <div>To stay up to date with progress on alcohol reform in NSW, and NAAPA visit <a href=”http://www.naapa.org.au” class=””>www.naapa.org.au</a> and sign up to FARE’s E News Bulletin at <a href=”http://www.fare.org.au” class=””>www.fare.org.au</a>.<br></div>

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An initiative of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), Drink Tank aims to generate meaningful commentary and debate about alcohol policy, and to provide a platform for all members of the Australian community to share their views and concerns.